Barking Central is a development that adds up to more than the sum of its parts. Delivered through a public-private partnership, it has transformed the heart of Barking, east London, by creating a truly civic space around the existing town hall and library.

Designed by architects Allford Hall Monaghan Morris for Redrow Regeneration and the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham, this mixed-use scheme provides 518 flats, a refurbished library and learning centre, a hotel, a café, shops, and a store for 250 bikes. They are linked by a series of highly characterful public spaces by muf architecture/art.

The seven buildings, ranging from two to seven storeys, share a striking colour scheme designed to signal the regeneration of Barking town centre. The masterplan reinforces visual connections and pedestrian routes, re-stitching the civic square, formerly a car park, back into the town.

(This case study refers in particular to 478 market rate homes. A further 40 homes were provided in another phase which was assessed previously and is not included in this case study.)